we built

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we built" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a project, structure, or concept that has been created or constructed by a group or team. Example: "In the last year, we built a new community center that will serve as a hub for local events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of course "we" built "it".

The New Yorker

We built a school.

The New York Times

We built this?

The New Yorker

We built sanitary privies.

The New York Times

"We built the skyscraper.

The New Yorker

"We built the road".

The New York Times - Magazine

We built it.

Independent

We built libraries.

The Economist

"We built a real relationship.

The New York Times

We built up a rapport.

The Guardian

We built a family business.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we built" to clearly indicate collaborative effort and shared accomplishment in creating or developing something tangible or intangible.

Common error

Avoid using "we built" when referring to something achieved solely through individual effort. Use "I built" instead to maintain accuracy and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we built" functions as a verb phrase indicating a completed action in the past, where "we" is the subject pronoun and "built" is the past tense of the verb "build". This is evident from the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we built" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote the completion of a construction or development by a group. As confirmed by Ludwig, it enjoys widespread usage across varied contexts, from News & Media to Academia, although it's important to ensure it accurately reflects a collaborative effort. For alternative expressions, consider options such as "we constructed", "we created", or "we developed", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we constructed

Emphasizes the act of assembling or creating something complex from different parts.

we created

Focuses on the act of bringing something new into existence.

we established

Highlights the act of setting something up on a firm or permanent basis.

we developed

Implies a gradual process of growth or advancement.

we formed

Suggests the act of bringing something into being by shaping or molding it.

we assembled

Focuses on the act of gathering and fitting parts together.

we pioneered

Highlights the act of being the first to develop or use something.

we engineered

Emphasizes the skillful design and construction of something.

we manufactured

Focuses on the mass production of something using machinery.

we fabricated

Suggests the act of constructing something, often with implication of deception or falsehood.

FAQs

How can I use "we built" in a sentence?

You can use "we built" to describe the creation or construction of something tangible or intangible. For example, "we built a school", or "we built a relationship".

What are some alternatives to using "we built"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "we constructed", "we created", or "we developed".

Is it correct to say "us built" instead of "we built"?

No, "us built" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "we built", where "we" is the subject pronoun.

What's the difference between "we built" and "we were building"?

"We built" indicates a completed action in the past, while "we were building" suggests an ongoing action in the past. For instance, "we built a house" means the house is finished, whereas "we were building a house" implies the construction was in progress.